• by Ray Schultz , February 20, 2024

Samantha Willis has been named editor in chief of the Virginia Mercury, an online news organization focusing on state government and policy. 

Willis succeeds Sarah Vogelsong, who is leaving the Mercury to explore other reporting opportunities, starting March 18. 

“Samantha is a gifted journalist who understands the Mercury’s mission of providing Virginians thoughtful, comprehensive and accessible information about how their state government works,” Vogelsong says. “She is widely respected, unflagging in her efforts to bring new perspectives to the public’s attention and well-versed in Virginia history, politics and culture.

Willis has served as the Mercury’s deputy and commentary editor since January 2023. Prior to that, she served as a freelance writer. 

She helped launch VPM News’ weekly television news show Focal Point, and has also worked for WRIC ABC 8News and Richmond Magazine. Her reporting has appeared in Columbia Journalism Review, Glamour, Essence, Scalawag, Richmond Times-Dispatch and Richmond Free Press.

The Mercury is part of States Newsroom, a national nonprofit supported by grants, donors and readers.